PS3 Games to Watch, January to March 2013

It's an exciting opening quarter to the year for gamers on PS3 - the list below contains our 'ones to watch' that are expected to release in Australia or New Zealand in January, February and March this year (listed in order of release date). This quarter goes heavy on shooters and action games, with a dose of survival horror and RPG, and is loaded with quality - feast your eyes on the exceptional range of games coming out, and start saving those pennies!

DmC - Devil May Cry

Release on: January 15, 2013

Genre: Action/Hack'n'Slash

Developer: Ninja Theory

Publisher: Capcom

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: No

The game is set in a parallel universe in the Devil May Cry series. The story tells of a 20 year old Dante in the fictitious Limbo City, a dreary city that appears calm at first, but transforms into a twisted parody of itself with demons and other monstrosities who frequently attempt to kill him. During the game, Dante is frequently taunted and stalked by Mundus (portrayed in this version as a rich human-looking demon with a god complex). Dante's twin brother Vergil is also present in the game.

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Expected release date: January 31, 2013

Genre: Role-Playing Game

Developer: LEVEL-5 and Studio Ghibli

Publisher: Namco Bandai

Expected Rating: E 10+

Multiplayer: No

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch tells the heart-warming story of a young boy named Oliver, who sets out on a journey into a parallel world to learn magic and defeat the dark wizard, Shadar, to bring his mother back to life. As he makes new friends who accompany him along his journey, Oliver can tame many wonderful creatures that inhabit this world and raise them to help fight on his behalf as he battles formidable enemies on this epic quest. Crafted by two legendary Japanese creative Studios, LEVEL-5 and Studio Ghibli, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch brings a new and unique companion-based combat system that combines a blend of both new and traditional elements of turn-based and real-time role-playing games, while delivering masterful storytelling with beautifully executed visuals and animations. Watch as this charming and tragic tale unfolds and find hundreds of creatures to battle and a wealth of quests and secrets to uncover as you explore this stunningly vibrant, animated world of magic.

Dead Space 3

Expected release date: February 8, 2013

Genre: Survival Horror

Developer: Visceral Games

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Expected Rating: MA 15+/M17+

Multiplayer: Yes (Online co-op)

From surviving through his first encounter with countless Necromorphs in the original Dead Space as an engineer on the planet-cracker starship, the Ishimura, to defying the odds and destroying a Marker on the Sprawl in Dead Space 2, Isaac Clarke has been through more than his fair share of intense battles with the horrifying undead and forces vying to control his mind to taint the whole universe. Although Isaac has seemingly managed to escape the worst of it all, the uncovered ancient alien artefacts known as 'Markers' continue to spread dementia, insanity and a plague of life-after-death known as Necromorphs across the universe. However now, after learning that somehow, a Marker uprising was once stopped on the frozen, backwater planet of Tau Volantis 200 years ago, Isaac returns from hiding joined by the merciless soldier, John Carver, in a bid to track down the secret they hope will end the Necromorph plague forever.

In the setting of this cold, harsh planet, Isaac can expect to face deadlier evolved enemies and brutal elements and desolate environments, with the feeling of death, danger and uncertainty forever lingering in every corridor and corner that he turns. You will be able to customise his arsenal from thousands of deadly weapon combinations as Isaac fights his way to save mankind from the impending apocalypse. And with the new option to play through the campaign with online Co-op, or just the classic, thrilling, Isaac-only Single Player campaign, you will also be able to see how the Dead Space 3 story can change when John Carver plays an active role as your partner.

Aliens: Colonial Marines

Expected release date: February 12, 2013

Genre: FPS/Survival Horror

Developer: Gearbox Software

Publisher: Sega

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: Yes

Steeped in the eerie, claustrophobic and terrifying atmosphere that made the Aliens films successful worldwide, Aliens: Colonial Marines once again pits you and your friends against the deadliest killers in the galaxy. The story follows as you and your unit of US Colonial Marines are dispatched to the USS Sulaco in response to a distress call to investigate what has been killing your fellow marines. You will soon find that intelligent, vicious, agile and acid-spitting aliens (that we all know and love) are the cause of all the immense casualties, and you and your squad must find a way to not only survive, but wipe out this Xeno infestation.

The campaign can be played as single player with intelligent AI-controlled team mates in your unit. But like in the brilliant Borderlands series, Gearbox Software has also implemented a seamless drop-in/drop-out co-operative gameplay for you and your friends to fight together in the campaign, as well as exciting new Multiplayer modes where you can even play the role of the aliens destroying all humans. Aliens: Colonial Marines promises to bring the most authentic Aliens experience ever with environments inspired by the film series, including Hadley’s Hope, the Sulaco and LV-426 and even four playable characters from the films in the special Collector's or Limited Editions. With new, extensive and customisable loadouts and upgrades along with the classic Marine pulse rifles and other weapons from the films, you will be immersed in an eerie, atmospheric world where any moment could bring your violent, screeching death.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Expected release date: February 19, 2013

Genre: Action/Hack'n'Slash

Developer: Konami/Platinum Games

Publisher: Konami

Expected Rating: MA 15+/M17+

Multiplayer: No

With the collaboration of two of the world's most respected teams working on such a highly acclaimed and classic franchise, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance promises to bring the best elements of epic story-telling with an all-new style of frenetic action gameplay experience to the well-known and ever expansive Metal Gear universe. Once again introducing the katana-wielding Raiden as the central character in the series, MGR Revengeance is set in the near future three years after the collapse of the Patriots system and events of Metal Gear Solid 4, where cyborg technology is now commonplace throughout society. However, the dissemination of cyborg technology has triggered instability and conflict in the short-lived peace as rogue entities formed after the fall of the Patriots system seek to gain power and control from the trade through the use of advanced cyborg technology. The world has fallen into chaos with cyborg crimes & terrorism running rampant in society and for Raiden, the child-soldier turned cyborg ninja living by the mantra of saving and protecting lives, the only path that leads him forward is rooted in resolving his past, and carving through anything that stands in his way.

Crysis 3

Expected release date: February 21, 2013

Genre: FPS/Action

Developer: Crytek

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: Yes

Crysis 3 is the futuristic first person shooter set in 2047; 24 years after the events of Crysis 2. Taking on the role of the nanosuit-wielding Prophet as he and his partner Psycho return to New York, they discover the has city been encased in a giant Nanodome created by the corrupt C.E.L.L Corporation. The New York City Liberty Dome is a veritable urban rainforest teeming with overgrown trees, dense swamplands and raging rivers, and within it, seven distinct and treacherous environments have become known as the Seven Wonders. This sets the stage for Crysis 3 as Prophet fights through the lush, wild fields of the Liberty Dome to bring down the C.E.L.L Corporation's covert quest for global domination and to uncover the truth behind the death of his squad. Built on the powerful CryENGINE 3 game engine, Crysis 3 continues to bring the oustanding visuals, life-like characters and intensely immersive and detailed environments that have always been a trademark of the Crysis series. Along with introducing new advanced weaponry, ruthless enemies and brand new gameplay features, you can expect to play through intense adaptive warfare in the dynamic urban rainforest environments of this stunning sandbox shooter.

Tomb Raider

Expected release date: March 5, 2013

Genre: Action/Adventure

Developer: Crystal Dynamics

Publisher: Square Enix

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: Yes

Tomb Raider explores the intense and gritty origin story of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor. Armed only with raw instincts and the ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, Lara must fight to unravel the dark history of a forgotten island to escape its relentless hold. At the beginning of the story, we experience Lara embarking on her first job after graduating from University. She shows fear in the face of danger, initially lacking confidence in her own abilities and judgment. Still, we can see the seeds of what Lara will eventually become. She possesses a powerful sense of moral courage. She is clever, resourceful and determined.

God of War: Ascension

Expected release date: March 14, 2013

Genre: Action/Hack'n'Slash

Developer: Sony Santa Monica

Publisher: Sony

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: Yes

Vengeance is born in the fires of betrayal in this prequel to the best-selling God of War® franchise. Six months have passed since Kratos stood over the bodies of his wife and child, his hands stained with their blood - tricked by Ares into murdering the only people he ever loved. Swearing to avenge them, Kratos broke the blood oath that bound him to Ares, but oaths to Olympus are not so easily broken... Sentenced to an eternity chained within a prison for the living damned, Kratos battles insanity at the hands of the Furies. He will be tested as he seeks freedom, redemption for his sins, and the clarity to avenge his family. For the first time, the series is set to include Multiplayer, with a Beta currently open to Playstation Plus subscribers.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2

Expected release date: March 15, 2013

Genre: First Person Shooter

Developer: City Interactive

Publisher: City Interactive

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: Yes

As the only multi-platform FPS modern shooter to be exclusively designed around the sniper experience, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 brings the bulls-eye precision of its best-selling predecessor to new and exciting heights. Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 brings breathless anticipation, precise controls and the skilful fun of sniping mixed with stealth and silent elimination play, combined with an epic story crafted by acclaimed writers. Built on the most powerful and advanced game engine in CryENGINE 3, it also continues to provide an authentic, modern sniper experience with realistic ballistics taking into account the player's location, wind speed and direction, heart rate and distance from the enemy, and understanding the necessities of working with your spotter to be successful in your missions. Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 also features a Multiplayer mode where you can duel with other ghillie-suited snipers and put your sniping skills to the test. All of the environments in the game are based on real-world locations and you will have an array of faithfully recreated weapons and equipment at your disposal in this graphically stunning and challenging shooter.

Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel

Expected release date: March 26, 2013

Genre: Third Person Shooter/Action

Developer: Visceral Games

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: Yes

Like its predecessors in the Army of Two series, The Devil's Cartel places a huge emphasis on tactical and co-operative shooting gameplay as you and your partner strategise how to best take down enemies and aid each other in battle. Playing as the two contractors known only as Alpha and Bravo, you and your team mate lead an uprising against the most vicious cartel in the world, La Guadaña (the Scythe) - a ruthless criminal organisation that holds the people Mexico in its murderous grip through fear, violence, intimidation and killing without remorse; all for their own sadistic ends. You will need to work together with your partner to perform flanking manoeuvres, create diversions to take the heat off one another during heavy gunfire, or even give your partner one last shot of adrenaline when things get a little too hectic against the cartel. The full customisation of weaponry and tactical gear make a return to the series, but in this instalment, built on the powerful and well-known Frostbite 2 engine, Alpha and Bravo will also be able to wreak havoc by destroying walls and barriers through building up the all-new Overkill meter. Communication and co-ordination is the key to success and only you and your partner can bring swift, bloody justice to save the Mexican people.

Bioshock Infinite

Expected release date: March 26, 2013

Genre: FPS/Action

Developer: Irrational Games

Publisher: 2K Games

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: No

In this FPS set in 1912, players assume the role of former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt, sent to the flying city of Columbia on a rescue mission to save Elizabeth, imprisoned since childhood. During their daring escape, Booker and Elizabeth form a powerful bond - one that lets Booker augment his own abilities with her world-altering control over the environment. Together, they fight from high-speed Sky-Lines, in the streets and houses of Columbia, on giant zeppelins, and in the clouds, all while learning to harness an expanding arsenal of weapons and abilities. Irrational games has an excellent track record of producing games with compelling stories and immersive, entertaining gameplay, and what we've seen of Bioshock Infinite so far suggests this will be no exception, and could well be a game of the year contender.

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

Expected release date: March 28, 2013

Genre: Platformer

Developer: Sanzaru Games

Publisher: Sony

Expected Rating: PG

Multiplayer: No

Sly and the gang return after a long break (Sly 3 was released in November 2005) this March (February in the US) to travel through time and deal with a mysterious interloper that is messing with Sly's ancestry. Like in previous Sly games, players will get to control multiple characters (Sly, Bentley, Murray, Carmelita Fox and Sly's Ancestors) through a range of environments, including Feudal Japan, the Wild West and Medieval England. The gameplay is primarily platforming, although Sly games have always featured a bit of stealth and a good dollop of mini-games to go with it. The game is releasing for both the PS3 and Vita, and is part of Sony's cross-buy (picking up the PS3 version will also get you a downloadable version for your Vita) and cross-save (you can switch your saves between PS3 and Vita, continuing your gaming at home or on the go) initiatives. Sanzaru, the games developers, previously did the HD re-releases of Sly 1, 2 and 3, and have impressed with what has been shown so far.

FUSE

Expected release date: March 2013

Genre: Third Person Shooter/Action

Developer: Insomniac Games

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: Yes

Created by the developers of the Resistance and Ratchet and Clank series, FUSE (formerly known as Overstrike) is a third person, four-player co-operative game that centres around a volatile energy source called Fuse, which has fallen into the wrong hands. The substance has been acquired by a terrorist organization known as Raven and your team, Overstrike 9, has been hired to track down and stop it from setting off a deadly arms race. FUSE places a strong focus on tactical co-op so you will earn more points for upgrading weapons and character abilities by executing co-operative kills. Each of your team mates will have their own signature weapons and special set of abilities, allowing for more diverse gameplay as you co-ordinate your attacks to provide cover for one another with fringe-tech weapons and gadgets and combine abilities for extraordinary results. The unique LEAP feature in this game will also let you instantly shift from agent to agent during combat so that you can take advantage of each one’s special arsenal at any time.

Metro: Last Light

Expected release date: March 2013

Genre: FPS/Survival Horror

Developer: 4A Games

Publisher: THQ

Expected Rating: MA 15+

Multiplayer: No

Metro: Last Light is the hugely anticipated, story-driven sequel to 2010’s critically acclaimed cult classic, Metro 2033. The year is 2034 and beneath the ruins of the post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of Metro, stalk mutants in the desolate catacombs below and hunters in the poisoned skies above; all around the besieged remnants of mankind. But rather than stand united, the station-cities of the Metro are locked in a struggle for the ultimate power, with a civil war stirring that could wipe humanity from the face of the earth forever. As Artyom, you will be able to explore one of the most visually stunning, immersive, atmospheric game worlds ever created in Metro: Last Light. Fight against deadly foes, both mutant and human, with an exotic arsenal of hand-made weaponry and use stealth to launch attacks under the cover of darkness as you travel around the post-apocalyptic world of the Moscow Metro. Ranger Mode, the fan-favorite game type from Metro 2033, also makes a return to represent the ultimate, immersive Metro experience. Though he is burdened by guilt, Arytom is still driven by hope and he alone holds the key to the survival of mankind - the light in our darkest hour.

Authors: I_live_4_fun, OC-138, Axe99

12 Comments

Damn, thar be a lot of good games coming out in the two and a half months! Aliens, God of War, FUSE and Sly are the games I'll probably get at launch, but there's a whole lot there I'll deffo play at some stage (hell, there's only a few I'm not right keen to play).

The whole list makes me want to play everything . But I'll be definitely be getting Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch and Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel at some stage, and I'm also really interested in Crysis 3, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Tomb Raider and Metro: Last Light.

Looks like the release of FUSE will be delayed until next year. EA announced in their latest financial results call that they had "decided to move the launch of FUSE to Q1 of fiscal 2014" to try and be a bit more conservative around this time.

There did seem to be quite a few games published by EA that were set to be released this quarter; 4 out of the 14 above were expected from EA and they're pretty big titles too.

Looks like the release of FUSE will be delayed until next year. EA announced in their latest financial results call that they had "decided to move the launch of FUSE to Q1 of fiscal 2014" to try and be a bit more conservative around this time.

There did seem to be quite a few games published by EA that were set to be released this quarter; 4 out of the 14 above were expected from EA and they're pretty big titles too.

That could kill the game if the the new consoles come out this year and it isn't on them.

Thankfully Insomniac shoved this on their twitter yesterday:Insomniac Games ‏@insomniacgamesThe news is true, Fuse is now coming in Q2 (Apr-Jun). It's not a big delay from March, and its more polish time for us to make a better game

The fiscal year is different to normal year. So it has moved to release in EA's fiscal Q1 of 2014

To really do your head in, different companies have different fiscal years! So while it's usually July to June in Australia, it can often be April to March in other places, and the same as the calendar year in others!